In a major cultural shift nearly 80 years after Partition, authorities in Lahore have started restoring the historic Hindu, Sikh, Jain, and colonial-era names of several streets and localities that were renamed during decades of Islamisation in Pakistan.
Official signboards across parts of Lahore are now changing back to their older identities. Islampura has once again become Krishan Nagar, Babri Masjid Chowk has been renamed Jain Mandir Chowk, while Rehman Gali has reverted to Ram Gali.
According to reports, at least nine locations have already been restored to their historic names over the past two months, with several more expected to follow under the ongoing “Lahore Heritage Area Revival” (LHAR) project.
Some of the major name changes include Sunnat Nagar to Sant Nagar, Maulana Zafar Ali Khan Chowk to Lakshmi Chowk, Mustafaabad to Dharampura, Fatima Jinnah Road to Queens Road, Bagh-e-Jinnah to Lawrence Gardens, and Hameed Nizami Road to Temple Street.
The renaming campaign is part of a massive heritage restoration initiative launched by former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif along with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz in 2025. The project, reportedly worth 50 billion Pakistani Rupees, aims to revive Lahore’s pre-Partition architectural and cultural identity after decades of urbanisation and ideological changes.
Pakistan’s Punjab government has argued that the initiative is intended to preserve historical heritage in the same way many European countries protect their cultural landmarks. Officials also believe the move could help promote heritage tourism and generate economic benefits.
The restoration drive has also revived debate surrounding Minto Park, now known as Greater Iqbal Park. Nawaz Sharif has proposed restoring three historic cricket grounds and a traditional wrestling arena that were demolished during an earlier urban redevelopment project led by Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in 2015.
The historic cricket clubs at Minto Park once trained famous players, including former Pakistan captain Inzamam-ul-Haq. Before Partition, legendary Indian cricketer Lala Amarnath also trained there and later revisited the grounds during India’s tour of Pakistan in 1978.
The traditional wrestling arena at Minto Park had also hosted legendary wrestlers such as Goonga Pehalwan, Imam Bakhsh, and Gama Pehalwan. Before 1947, Hindus used to celebrate the festival of Dussehra at the park.
Political analysts believe the renaming drive carries both cultural and diplomatic significance. Observers say Pakistan is attempting to present itself as a more tolerant and multicultural nation before the global community amid continued international scrutiny over extremism and minority rights issues.
Experts also suggest the move may help Pakistan improve its global image at a time when the country remains heavily dependent on financial support from the International Monetary Fund and seeks to avoid stricter monitoring by the Financial Action Task Force over terror financing concerns.
Despite Pakistan’s long history of allegations involving minority oppression, forced conversions, and temple demolitions, the restoration campaign has reportedly faced little organised opposition so far.
The initiative is now being seen as one of the most significant symbolic reversals of post-Partition Islamisation policies in Pakistan’s recent history.
